ADULT EDUCATION
9:00 a.m. Sundays -
In the Lounge |
|
Waking China
During the past few months, China has been in the headlines from
their preparations for the Beijing Olympics to the earthquake in
Sichuan province. Americans have watched with both awe and
surprise as this country modernizes with unprecedented speed and
yet maintains strict limitations on individual rights including
speech and religion. The combination brings both concern and
fear. In this seminar, we will break down misconceptions about
China by examining the country through the eyes of immigrants,
scholars and recent visitors. We can then create a new
understanding of this dynamic country and learn how we, as
Christians, can encourage diplomacy and friendship.
August 3 - "China through my eyes."
Professor Janet Lu, a recently retired librarian and professor
of library science at Nebraska Wesleyan University, will share
experiences of her life in China. Janet, born and raised
on mainland China, moved to Taiwan with her family as a young
woman and eventually came to the United States. Janet will not
only share her story but provide a current analysis of the
developments in Modern China.
August 10 -- "Creating Connections: The Confucius
Institute"
Dr. Rachel Zeng, Associate Director of the Confucius Institute
will share with the university's efforts to create a unique
scholarly and cultural experience for Chinese and University of
Nebraska students. It is also a resource in the state of
Nebraska to promote Chinese language teaching and to enhance
cultural exchange between the Chinese and Americans. This
intensive program not only encourages intellectual collaboration
but helps breakdown the barriers between China and the United
States. |
August 17 -- "Church and State in China: Inside
the Porcelain Rice Bowl"
Rev. Sara Dingman. In June 2008, Rev. Dingman traveled to the
People's Republic of China and Hong Kong with the U.S. based
human rights group Plowshares Institute. Through personal
dialogue with church, government and academic leaders, Rev.
Dingman wrestled with several of the myriad issues facing China.
These issues include environmental degradation, poverty, and
challenges to human rights. As part of the tour Rev. Dingman met
with members of the Three Self Patriotic Movement (China's
state-sanctioned Christian church) and with members of
"underground" or unregistered churches. On Sunday morning,
August 17, Rev. Dingman will share slides and stories as she
reflects on her experiences inside the "Porcelain Rice Bowl."
August 24 -- "Let One Hundred Flowers Bloom?
A Brief History of Modern China"
Dr. Park Coble, James L. Sellers Professor of History at the
University of Nebraska, will provide us with an overview of
Modern Chinese history. Such history provides us with a
framework for understanding not only the developments in the
Chinese communist government but also helps us to understand
Chinese culture and society.
August 31 -- "China: Questions and Answers"
Dr. Christine Dempsey, who teaches Chinese history at Nebraska
Wesleyan University, will facilitate a discussion over a wealth
of Chinese topics including human rights issues, the Beijing
Olympics, the Tibet region and its struggle for independence, as
well as the relationship between Taiwan and the mainland |
